[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 176 (Monday, September 14, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 47045-47046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-22262]



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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 8413--Patriot Day and National Day of Service and 
Remembrance, 2009
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 176 / Monday, September 14, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 8413 of September 10, 2009

                
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and 
                Remembrance, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the 
                World Trade Center, the scarred walls of the Pentagon, 
                and the smoky wreckage in a field in southwest 
                Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the 
                American people shone brightly on September 11, 2001. 
                We stood as one people, united in our common humanity 
                and shared sorrow. We grieved for those who perished 
                and remembered what brought us together as Americans.

                Today, we honor the lives we lost 8 years ago. On a 
                bright September day, innocent men, women, and children 
                boarded planes and set off for work as they had so many 
                times before. Unthinkable acts of terrorism brought 
                tragedy, destruction, pain, and loss for people across 
                our Nation and the world.

                As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow 
                citizens, and all who died, we reaffirm our commitment 
                to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the 
                aftermath of the attacks. We must apprehend all those 
                who perpetrated these heinous crimes, seek justice for 
                those who were killed, and defend against all threats 
                to our national security. We must also recommit 
                ourselves to our founding principles. September 11 
                reminds us that our fate as individuals is tied to that 
                of our Nation. Our democracy is strengthened when we 
                uphold the freedoms upon which our Nation was built: 
                equality, justice, liberty, and democracy. These values 
                exemplify the patriotism and sacrifice we commemorate 
                today.

                In that same spirit of patriotism, I call upon all 
                Americans to join in service and honor the lives we 
                lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and 
                the brave men and women in uniform who continue to 
                protect our country at home and abroad. In April, I was 
                proud to sign the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve 
                America Act, which recognizes September 11 as a 
                National Day of Service and Remembrance. Originated by 
                the family members of those who lost loved ones on 9/
                11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance is an 
                opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the 
                spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation 
                following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to 
                sustained service to our communities.

                Throughout the summer, people of all ages and 
                backgrounds came together to lend a helping hand in 
                their communities through United We Serve. As this 
                summer of service draws to an end, we renew the call to 
                engage in meaningful service activities and stay 
                engaged with those projects throughout the year. 
                Working together, we can usher in a new era in which 
                volunteering and service is a way of life for all 
                Americans. Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write 
                the next great chapter in our Nation's history and 
                ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the 
                promise of America.

                By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 
                (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated 
                September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public 
                Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, has requested the

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                observance of September 11 as an annually recognized 
                National Day of Service and Remembrance.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 
                11, 2009, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service 
                and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, 
                and instrumentalities of the United States to display 
                the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot 
                Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in 
                honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a 
                result of the terrorist attacks against the United 
                States that occurred on September 11, 2001. I invite 
                the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth 
                of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and 
                individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the 
                people of the United States to participate in community 
                service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe 
                this day with other ceremonies and activities, 
                including remembrance services, and to observe a moment 
                of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time 
                to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result 
                of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-22262
Filed 9-11-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P